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A “tech surge” has been launched at MNsure headquarters in St. Paul, with IBM workers brought in to try to rescue an overwhelmed call center and free about 1,100 insurance applications stuck in computer limbo. (Pioneer Press)

Dayton also announced that Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Price Industries is opening a new research and development facility in Maple Grove next year that will create 40 jobs at a cost to the state of $700,000. Dayton made a secret trip to Canada earlier this year to lure the firm. (MPR News)

Richard Carlbom, who successfully led the effort to legalize same-sex marriage in Minnesota, will marry his longtime boyfriend in St. Paul on Friday evening. (Star Tribune)

In Congress/National Politics

As conservative groups start launching attack ads against 7th District Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson, the long-serving congressman tells a reporter that the attacks are “making me more inclined to not hang up my hat.” (Huffington Post)

The Obama administration on Thursday night significantly relaxed the rules of the federal health-care law for millions of consumers whose individual insurance policies have been canceled, saying they can buy bare-bones plans or entirely avoid a requirement that most Americans have health coverage. (Washington Post)

After approving a defense bill late Thursday night, the Senate also reached a last-minute agreement to vote on a small batch of President Obama’s nominees before the weekend, allowing senators to head home in time for the holiday break without approving some crucial appointments. (New York Times)

After 150 years of duty the dome of the U.S. Capitol is getting an overdue makeover. (Washington Post)